​

Official Chicago Dog Friendly Area rules:

 

• Owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries caused by their dogs.

• Owners must remain with and watch their dogs at all times.

• Dogs must be leashed prior to and upon leaving the DFA. Gates to the DFAs must remain closed except upon entering and exiting the DFA.

• Owners must immediately clean up after their dogs. Owners who fail to clean up after their dogs are subject to a fine of up to $500.00 (City of Chicago Ordinance 7-12-420).

• Dogs with a known history of, or who exhibit, dangerous behaviors are prohibited.

• Dogs must be healthy, fully immunized, dewormed, licensed and comply with the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control Regulation for Chicago Park District DFAs.

• No dog will be allowed in a DFA unless it has a current rabies vaccination.

• Dog owners are responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of the DFA.

• No Food (human or dog food) is allowed inside the DFA

• Owners or other responsible persons must have a DFA permit with them for each dog visiting the DFA.

• DFA permits are valid from January 1 through December 31 each year.

• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; younger children must be closely supervised.

• Only three dogs per person allowed.

• Puppies under four months old and female dogs in heat are prohibited.

• Failure to comply with the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control Regulation for Chicago Park District DFAs can result in a fine of up to $500.00.

​

​

The Administrator of the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control mandated that the Park District issue permits for all off-leash dogs using Dog Friendly Areas. This regulation will be enforced by Deputies of the Department of Animal and Rabies Control. Any patron using a DFA without a permit is subject to a $500 fine.

 

The owner or other responsible person bringing any dog into a DFA must have a permit and tag issued by a participating Veterinarian for each dog. The veterinarian will issue a permit for any dog when the dog’s owner or other person responsible for the dog shows the following:

​

1. The owner or other responsible person produces a current dog license issued by the City of Chicago, or proof that the dog has a current rabies vaccination.

2. The owner must complete a Chicago Park District Dog Friendly Area Permit Application for each dog. The owner shall provide written proof acceptable to the Park District showing that a licensed veterinarian (or other authorized person) has performed a fecal test for parasites and vaccinated any dog entering a DFA for the following diseases:

   1. Distemper

   2. Hepatitis

   3. Para influenza; and

   4. Parvovirus

   5. Bordetella

   6. Leptospirosis

   (Current titers where applicable will also be acceptable) After issuance of a permit, the dog owner is responsible for keeping immunizations  current.

3. The owner must agree to abide by the Chicago Park District Rules and Regulations of a Dog Friendly Area.

​

Link to Chicago Park District Page

​

https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/dog-friendly-areas#jump16649